Wall attachment clip, wall panel system, and system and method for supporting wall panels

ABSTRACT

A clip for attaching and supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels is provided. The clip includes a main body portion, a first extension portion, a second extension portion, and a face portion. The clip is used with a system of interlocking vapor barrier wall panels to support the wall panels and affix them to a building frame without compromising the vapor barrier. Exterior façade panels can also be affixed to the clip and building frame without compromising the vapor barrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/553,664, which claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e)to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/509,109, filed Jul.19, 2011, the entire disclosures of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of construction.More particularly, the present invention relates to a clip for attachingand supporting wall panels to a building (such as for an exteriorbuilding envelope), a wall panel system, and systems and methods forsupporting wall panels.

BACKGROUND

An important consideration in building envelope design and constructionis the air and water barrier(s) located behind the exterior facade ofthe building, as well as the connection of the façade over the air andwater barrier(s). Traditional building envelope design (andmodifications thereof) requires multi-pass installation, in whichmultiple separate components are sequentially installed on top of oneanother to achieve the thermal and moisture protection for the buildinginterior. This typically requires a separate trade group to apply/attacheach component, adding to the complication, cost, reliability andoverall time needed to construct a building. Additionally, attachment ofthe exterior façade to the air and water barrier(s) compromises thebarrier.

FIG. 1 shows a traditional, multi-component wall construction. As shownin FIG. 1, a barrier panel element 20 is attached to the outer surfaceof the framing studs 10 and batt insulation 15 is located in the studcavity. A building wrap 30 is applied (typically sprayed) about thebarrier panel element 20, and then the exterior façade 40 is attached byextending an anchor (such as a screw, nail, support bracket, etc.)through the wrap 30 and barrier panel element 20 and into the studs 10.This is referred to as a “triple-pass” system, in which a first tradegroup typically applies/installs the barrier panel element (pass 1), asecond trade group applies the wrap (pass 2), and a third trade groupinstalls the façade (pass 3). Because the exterior façade anchor extendsthrough the wrap and barrier panel element, the air, water, vapor andthermal barrier(s) of this design is compromised. This creates anincreased concern when an anchor for the exterior façade inadvertentlymisses a stud when it is installed in pass 3, as a hole is created inthe barrier(s) that is not filled (at least in part) by the anchor (asis the case when an anchor extends into the stud).

Adoption of new building codes (such as ASHRAE 90.1-2007) has requiredincreased energy performance requirements for building envelopes, whichare not met by the traditional multi-component wall construction shownin FIG. 1. As a result, several alternative modifications of thetraditional construction have been proposed and utilized to meet thenewer code requirements. A first such alternative is shown in FIG. 2. Asshown in FIG. 2, a barrier panel element 20 is attached to the outersurface of the framing studs 10. A building wrap 30 is applied about thebarrier panel element 20, and then an insulation panel 15 is appliedover the building wrap 30. Finally, the exterior façade 40 is attachedby extending an anchor (such as a screw, nail, support bracket 50, etc.)through the insulation panel 15, wrap 30 and barrier panel element 20and into the studs 10. This also is referred to as a “triple-pass”system, in which a first trade group typically applies/installs thebarrier panel element (pass 1), a second trade group applies the wrap(pass 2), and a third trade group installs the insulation panel andfaçade (pass 3). Because the exterior façade anchor extends through theinsulation panel, wrap and barrier panel element, the air, water, vaporand thermal barrier(s) of this design is still compromised. This toocreates an increased concern when an anchor for the exterior façadeinadvertently misses a stud when it is installed in pass 3, as a hole iscreated in the barrier(s) that is not filled (at least in part) by theanchor (as is the case when an anchor extends into the stud).

A second alternative to the traditional multi-component wallconstruction design that has been proposed to meet new code requirementsis shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a barrier (may includeinsulation functionality as well) panel element 20 is attached to theouter surface of the framing studs 10, and a spray insulation 15 isapplied in the stud cavity. A building wrap 30 is applied about thebarrier panel element 20, and then the exterior façade 40 is attached byextending an anchor (such as a screw, nail, support bracket, etc.)through wrap 30 and barrier panel element 20 and into the studs 10. Thisalso is referred to as a “triple-pass” system, in which a first tradegroup typically applies/installs the barrier panel element (pass 1), asecond trade group applies the wrap (pass 2), and a third trade groupinstalls the façade (pass 3). Because the exterior façade anchor extendsthrough the wrap and barrier panel element, the air, water, vapor andthermal barrier(s) of this design also is compromised. This againcreates an increased concern when an anchor for the exterior façadeinadvertently misses a stud when it is installed in pass 3, as a hole iscreated in the barrier(s) that is not filled (at least in part) by theanchor (as is the case when an anchor extends into the stud).

In an attempt to overcome one or more of the problems identified withrespect to the multi-pass designs of the prior art, several “singlepass” systems have been developed. Examples of such systems are shownand described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,748,181 (the '181 Patent), and inExhibits B, C and D to U.S. provisional application No. 61/509,109 filedon Jul. 19, 2011, which depict the Invelope/Metalwrap systems byCentria, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9 of the '181 Patent, a first singlepass system includes barrier panels 106 a and 106 b that areinterconnected together via tongue and groove type connections. Thebarrier panels are attached to the framing of the building and provideair, water, vapor and thermal barrier(s) for the building structure, aswell as structural support for an exterior façade system. As is shown inFIG. 7, barrier panel 106 b is attached to the stud using clip 144 andscrew 146. Clip 144 includes downturned central flange portion 148 whichpenetrates into a foam portion of the top of panel 106 b. The screw 146extends through the main body portion 150 of clip 144, through panel 106b and into the stud. The lower end of panel 106 a is held into positionvia the tongue and groove connection with panel 106 b, and the upper endof 106 a is attached to the stud using a clip and screw in the samemanner described with respect to panel 106 b. As is shown in FIG. 9 ofthe '181 Patent, a z-shaped subframe 160 is attached to the panels 106(preferably at their horizontal joint 124) by extending screw 162through multiple layers of steel 164-168 of the panels 106. The exteriorfaçade panels are then attached to the z-shaped subframe via screws 172.This system is considered a single pass system in that the barrierpanels and façade are typically installed by a single trade group. Whilethis system overcomes many of the problems associated with multi-passdesigns, the attachment of the subframe to support the façade panelsdirectly to the barrier panels limits the structural support availablefor the façade, and also potentially exposes the foam core of thebarrier panels to moisture through the holes created by the screws.Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system and method thatallows façade panels to be supported directly by the framing of thebuilding, and/or that does not unnecessarily expose the interior of thebarrier panel to additional moisture.

Referring to Exhibits B, C and D of U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 61/509,109, other single pass systems are shown. The system ofExhibit B is similar to that of the '181 patent, with the façade panelssupported directly to the barrier panels. The system of Exhibit C showsa clip that extends out from the barrier panels to provide horizontalsupport to a façade such as a brick wall. The façade of Exhibit C issupported vertically by its own structure, not by the clip or theframing of the building. The system of Exhibit D includes a zee girtattached through the barrier panels and into the stud of the building.The zee girt provides support for panels to be attached vertically.Nevertheless, the zee girt does not allow for panels to be attachedhorizontally as they would be to a traditional stud wall. Moreover, thezee girt system requires shims to result in proper panel alignment.Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system and method thatallows façade panels to be supported vertically directly by the framingof the building in a horizontal manner, and/or that does notunnecessarily expose the interior of the barrier panel to additionalmoisture.

SUMMARY

Objects of the present inventive concept include, but are notnecessarily limited to, a clip for attaching and supporting wall panelsto a building (such as for an exterior building envelope), a wall panelsystem, and systems and methods for supporting wall panels. The systemand method of the instant invention allows façade panels to be supportedvertically directly by the framing of the building horizontally. Inaddition, the system and method of the instant invention allows façadepanels to be supported without unnecessarily exposing the interior of abarrier panel to additional moisture.

The system and method of the instant invention include componentsmanufactured in a manner similar to those of the '181 and/or of ExhibitsB, C and D. In particular, in one embodiment, the system includes abarrier panel manufactured essentially identical to those shown inExhibits B, C and D. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that theinstant invention may be utilized in connection with other componentsnow known or hereinafter discovered.

The system includes a clip that includes a downturned central flangeportion that penetrates into a foam portion at the top of an insulatedsteel sandwich panel (i.e. foam sandwiched between sheets of steel). Ascrew extends through the main body portion of the clip throughpre-drilled holes in the panel, through the outer and inner metal sheetsand sandwiched foam of the panel and into the stud. The lower end of thepanel is held into position via the tongue and groove connection with anadjoining panel directly below the panel, and the upper end of theadjoining panel is attached to the stud using a clip and screw in thesame manner described above. The clip further includes an extensionportion that extends backward from the main body portion and a faceportion extending generally perpendicular from the extension portion.The extension portion extends outward of the exterior surface of thepanel such that a hat subgirt can be attached to the face portion of theclip via a screw that extends into a preferably pre-drilled hole in theface portion. A façade assembly is then mounted to the subgirt. The clipof the instant invention allows the panel to be attached to the stud ofthe exterior of the building, and provides a support for façade panelsdirectly anchored in the studs of the building, without compromising thebarrier(s) provided by the panel.

In a preferred embodiment, the clip of the instant invention is made of14 gauge galvanized steel. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated thatother suitable materials may be utilized and will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of theinvention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possibleembodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evidentupon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawingscomprising a part thereof. Various features and subcombinations ofinvention may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention willbecome apparent from the following description taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustrationand example, an embodiment of this invention and various featuresthereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of the best mode inwhich the applicant has contemplated applying the principles, are setforth herein and are shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a traditional multi-componentwall construction of the prior art.

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a modified version of thetraditional multi-component wall construction of the prior art.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another modified version of thetraditional multi-component wall construction of the prior art.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a system of theinstant invention.

FIG. 5 shows various views of a clip of an embodiment of the instantinvention. FIG. 5-A is a perspective view. FIG. 5-B is a top view. FIG.5-C is a front view. FIG. 5-D is a side view.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a system ofthe instant invention, similar to that of FIG. 4, but with a one piecebracket connecting the subgirt to the façade panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, a detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiment ismerely exemplary of the principles of the invention, which may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an embodiment of a clip 100 and of a systemof the instant invention utilizing clip 100 is provided. The clip 100 isused for attaching and supporting a wall panel to a building structure.The clip 100 includes a main body portion 102. Located at opposing endsof the main body portion 102, the clip 100 includes a first extension orflange portion 104 and a second extension portion 106. The firstextension portion 104 and the second extension portion 106 both extendoutward away from the main body portion 102 in opposite directions, withboth being substantially perpendicular to the main body portion 102. Atthe end of the second extension portion 106, the end opposite the mainbody portion 102, is located a face portion 108. The face portion 108extends outward and away from the second extension portion 106 such thatit is substantially parallel with the main body portion 102, yet offsetby the length of the second extension portion 106.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the first extension or flange portion104 is used to pierce an edge 134 of a vapor barrier panel 130, such asthe tongue-and-groove feature shown and described in the vapor barrierpanel system of the '181 patent and/or Exhibits B, C and D of U.S.provisional patent application No. 61/509,109. The clip 100 is securedto a building framing 109 with an anchor 107 through the main bodyportion 102. The vapor barrier 130 is not compromised because the anchor107 and clip 104 penetrate the panel 130 a at an edge 134 a that issealed or covered by the edge 134 b an adjacent vapor barrier panel 130b.

The face portion 108 is used to affix an exterior façade 160 to theexterior of the building. With the exterior façade 160 affixed to theface portion 108 of the clip 100, the exterior façade 160 isstructurally supported by the building frame 109 without compromisingthe vapor barrier 130.

In some embodiments, the main body portion 102 includes one or morepre-drilled hole(s) 103. In an embodiment with pre-drilled holes 103 inthe main body portion 102, the clip 100 is anchored to the buildingframing 109 through one or more of the pre-drilled hole(s) 103.

In some embodiments, the face portion 108 includes one or morepre-drilled hole(s) 103. In an embodiment with pre-drilled holes 103 inthe face portion 108, the exterior façade 160 is affixed to the clip 100through the one or more pre-drilled hole(s) 103 in the face portion 108.

In some embodiments, the first extension portion 104 includes one ormore tooth 105 sized and shaped to penetrate a portion of foaminsulation that is exposed in a vapor barrier panel 130 along one of theedges 134. In some embodiments, the clip 100 is a single-piece, unibodyapparatus. In some embodiments, the clip 100 is made out of 14 gaugegalvanized steel.

As used throughout this specification, the term “substantiallyperpendicular” includes any angle between 80 and 100 degrees. As usedthroughout this specification, the term “substantially parallel”includes any two planes wherein the smallest angle between the twoplanes is 15 degrees or less. For example:

In some embodiments, the first extension portion 104 is substantiallyperpendicular to the main body portion 102, but is slightly turned down,such that the angle between the main body portion 102 and the firstextension portion 104 is slightly less than a 90 degree angle, or about85 degrees. In some embodiments, the second extension portion 106 issubstantially perpendicular to the main body portion 102, but isslightly turned down, such that the angle between the main body portion102 and the second extension portion 106 is slightly greater than a 90degree angle, or about 95 degrees. In an embodiment where the anglebetween the first extension portion 104 and the main body portion 102 isabout 85 degrees and the angle between the second extension portion 106and the main body portion 102 is about 95 degrees, the first extensionportion 104 is substantially parallel to the second extension portion106 even though they vary from being perfectly parallel by about 10degrees.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a multiple piece horizontal supportbracket for façade panels. As shown in FIG. 4, a system for attachingand supporting a wall panel to a building structure is provided. Thesystem does not compromise the vapor barrier of the building. The systemincludes a clip 100 for attaching and supporting a wall panel to abuilding structure. One example of the clip is described above and shownin FIG. 5. The system of FIG. 4 further includes a stud element 109 of abuilding structure. The system further includes a vapor barrier 130. Thevapor barrier is formed of a plurality of interlocking panels 130 a and130 b. Each panel 130 a includes at least one edge portion 134 a thatoverlaps with at least one edge portion 134 b of an adjacent panel 130b.

The clip 100 is affixed to the stud element 109 of the buildingstructure through a hole 136 in the edge portion 134 a of a first panel130 a. The edge 134 b of an adjacent panel 130 b interlocks with theedge 134 a of the first panel 130 a such that the hole 136 through whichthe clip 100 is anchored to the stud 109 is sealed and the vapor barrier130 is not compromised. In the vapor barrier panel system of the '181patent and/or Exhibits B, C and D of U.S. provisional patent applicationNo. 61/509,109, the panels 130 a and 130 b include interlockingtongue-and-groove edges.

As is shown in FIG. 4, a hat subgirt 150 is attached to the clip 100 byextending a screw 155 through the face portion 108 of the clip 100. Theexterior façade panels 160 a and 160 b are then attached to the subgirt150 via other screws 155 a. The clip 100 is located at the top tonguesection 134 a of an insulated steel sandwich vapor barrier panel 130 athat includes a tongue and groove interlocking system with adjacentvapor barrier panels 130 b. A sealant material 137 is located in thetongue and groove as shown in FIG. 4. As is shown in FIG. 4, thedownward central flange portion 104 of the clip 100 extends into thefoam portion 134 a of the vapor barrier panel 130 a at a location inwhich the foam is exposed (i.e. the steel sheeting does not continuearound the entire tongue portion of the top of the panel). The anchor107 to attach the clip 100 extends through the steel sheet on both theexterior and interior surfaces of the vapor barrier panel 130 a and intothe stud 109.

As further shown in FIG. 4, an interior section 163 a of the supportbracket 163 is screwed to the subgirt 150. Filler strip 163 b be isscrewed to section 163 a, and top section 163 c is connected to fillerstrip 163 b via an overlapping tongue and groove relationship. It willbe appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a single piece bracket,or even direct connection of façade panels 160 to the subgirt 150 may beutilized. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any type of façademay be attached utilizing the system of the instant invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a system of the instantinvention, similar to that of FIG. 4, is shown with a one piece bracketconnecting the subgirt to the façade panels. As is shown in FIG. 6, ahat subgirt 150 is attached to the clip 100 by extending a screw 155through the face portion 108 of the clip 100. The exterior façade panels160 a and 160 b are then attached to the subgirt 150 via screws 155 a(not shown in FIG. 6). The clip 100 is located at the top tongue section134 a of an insulated steel sandwich vapor barrier panel 130 a thatincludes a tongue and groove interlocking system with adjacent vaporbarrier panels 130 b. A sealant material may be located in the tongueand groove in the manner shown in FIG. 4. The downward central flangeportion 104 of the clip 100 extends into the foam portion 134 a of thevapor barrier panel 130 a at a location in which the foam is exposed(i.e. the steel sheeting does not continue around the entire tongueportion of the top of the panel). The anchor 107 to attach the clip 100extends through the steel sheet on both the exterior and interiorsurfaces of the vapor barrier panel 130 a and into the stud 109. Asfurther shown in FIG. 6, one-piece support bracket 163 is screwed to thesubgirt 150. Bracket 163 shown in FIG. 6 is shaped as a unitary piece toreceive exterior façade panels 160 a and 160 b and includes a fillersurface similar to the filler strip 163 b of FIG. 4 as part of theunitary piece. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a separate top sectionfits into the one piece bracket 163 through a tongue and grooverelationship. Panel 160 b is connected to the top section, while panel160 a is connected to bracket 163 directly. It will be appreciated thatin alternative embodiments, or even direct connection of façade panels160 to the subgirt 150 may be utilized. Furthermore, it will beappreciated that any type of façade may be attached utilizing the systemof the instant invention.

In some embodiments of the system, an exterior façade 160 is affixed toan outer portion 108 of the clip 100 such that the integrity of thevapor barrier 130 is not compromised. In some embodiments, a portion 104of the clip 100 penetrates the edge portion 134 a of the first panel 130a. In some embodiments, a pressure equalizing void 190 is maintainedbetween the vapor barrier 130 and the exterior façade 160.

Methods for supporting wall panels are provided. The methods describedherein do not compromise the vapor barrier of the wall. The methodincludes affixing a main body portion 102 of a clip 100 to a studelement 109 of the building structure through a hole 136 in an edgeportion 134 a of a first panel 130 a and interlocking the first panel130 a with an adjacent panel 130 b such that the hole 136 in the edgeportion 134 a of the first panel 130 a is covered by an overlappingportion 134 b of the adjacent panel 130 b. The interlocking andoverlapping first 130 a and adjacent 130 b panels form a vapor barrier130 that is not compromised by the clip 100 which is used to support thevapor barrier panels 130 a and 130 b and affixed to the stud 109 of thebuilding frame. In some embodiments, the method further includespenetrating the main body portion 102 of the clip 100, the hole 136 inthe edge portion 134 a of the first panel 130 a, and the stud element109 of the building structure with an anchor 107 to secure the clip 100and panel 130 a to the building structure. In some embodiments, themethod further includes affixing an exterior façade 160 to an outerportion 108 of the clip 100 without compromising the vapor barrier 130.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness and understanding; but no unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art, because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. Moreover, the description and illustration is by way ofexample, and the scope of the inventions is not limited to the exactdetails shown or described.

Although the foregoing detailed description has been described byreference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated forcarrying out the present inventive concept has been shown and described,it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variationsmay be made in embodying the above invention, and in the constructionthereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achievedby those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations areto be considered as being within the overall scope of the presentinvention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present inventionand any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents thatfall within the true spirit and scope of the underlying principlesdisclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the presentinvention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, allmatter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of theinvention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used,the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new anduseful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices,elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in theappended claims.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the annexed Abstractis to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the publicgenerally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners inthe art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology,to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence ofthe technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the Abstractis neither intended to define the invention or the application, whichonly is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as tothe scope of the invention in any way.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for attaching and supporting a wallpanel to a building structure, said system comprising: a stud element ofthe building structure; a barrier comprised of a plurality ofinterlocking panels, wherein each panel includes at least one edgeportion that overlaps with at least one edge portion of an adjacentpanel; a first clip and a second clip; and a hat subgirt coupled to saidfirst and second clips, wherein each of the first and second clipscomprises: a main body portion having a first end and a second endopposite said first end; an extension portion having a first end locatedat said second end of said main body portion and extending away from thebuilding structure in a direction substantially perpendicular to saidmain body portion; and a face portion located at a second end of saidextension portion and extending in a direction such that said faceportion and said main body portion are substantially parallel planes,wherein the interlocking panels form a vapor barrier/drain plane havinga vapor barrier seal/drain plane seal along the overlapping edges;wherein said main body portion of said first clip is nested against afirst panel and is affixed to said stud element of the buildingstructure through a hole in said at least one edge portion of said firstpanel such that said at least one edge portion of an adjacent secondpanel overlaps said hole in said first panel, such that said hole insaid first panel is covered so as to maintain the vapor barrier seal,wherein said extension portion of said first clip extends between andpast said first and second panels, wherein said main body portion ofsaid second clip is nested against said second panel and is affixed tosaid stud element of the building structure through a hole in said atleast one edge portion of said second panel such that said at least oneedge portion of an adjacent third panel overlaps said hole in saidsecond panel, such that said hole in said second panel is covered so asto maintain the vapor barrier seal, wherein said extension portion ofsaid second clip extends between and past said second and third panels,wherein said respective face portions of said first and second clips aredisplaced from an outer surface of said first, second, and third panels,and wherein respective face portions and respective second ends of saidextension portions of said first and second clips are positioned insidesaid hat subgirt.
 2. The system as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising: an exterior façade affixed to the face portion of the clipsuch that the drain plane is not penetrated and the drain plane sealremains intact.
 3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clipis affixed to said stud element of the building structure via an anchorthat penetrates the main body portion of the clip, said edge portion ofthe first panel, and said stud element of the building structure.
 4. Thesystem as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a pressure equalizingvoid located between said vapor barrier and said exterior façade.
 5. Thesystem as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a sealant connects theedge of said first panel to the edge of said adjacent panel to form saidvapor barrier seal.
 6. A method of attaching and supporting a wall panelto a building structure, said method comprising: affixing a first clipto a stud element of the building structure through a hole in an edgeportion of a first panel; interlocking said first panel with an adjacentpanel such that said hole in the edge portion of the first panel iscovered by an overlapping portion of said adjacent panel, theinterlocking, overlapping first and adjacent panels forming a vaporbarrier/drain plane having a vapor barrier seal/drain plane seal betweensaid first panel and said adjacent panel; affixing a second clip to astud element of the building structure through a hole in an edge portionof said adjacent panel; and affixing a hat subgirt to said first andsecond clips, wherein said face portions and said second ends of saidsecond extension portions of said first and second clips are positionedinside said hat subgirt.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 6, furthercomprising affixing an exterior façade to said hat subgirt such that thevapor barrier seal remains intact and the drain plane not penetrated. 8.The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said first and second clipseach comprise: a main body portion having a first end and a second endopposite said first end; a second extension portion having a first endlocated at said second end of said main body portion and extending awayfrom the building structure in a direction substantially perpendicularto the main body portion; and a face portion located at a second end ofsaid second portion and extending in a direction such that said faceportion and said main body portion are substantially parallel planes. 9.The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising affixing anexterior façade to said hat subgirt such that the vapor barrier sealremains intact and the drain plane not penetrated.